How To Use A Resistor For 12 Volt To 5 Volt

Electrical energy follows several physical laws. One of these laws, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, explains that the sum of the voltage drops around a closed circuit loop must equal zero. In a circuit with multiple electrical resistors, the voltage will drop at each resistor electrical joint. This can be useful if you need to obtain five volts from a 12-volt power source.

Step 1

Cut two pieces of electrical wire. Strip ½ an inch of insulation from the ends of each wire. Verify that the power supply is turned off.

Step 2

Twist together one end of the first wire with one of the leads from the 1.4-kiloohm resistor. Connect the loose end of this wire to the positive terminal on the power supply.

Step 3

Twist together the free lead from the 1.4-kiloohm resistor with one of the leads from the 1-kiloohm resistor.

Step 4

Twist together the free lead from the 1-kiloohm resistor with one end of the second wire. Connect the loose end of this wire to the negative terminal on the power supply. Turn the power supply on

Step 5

Turn on the voltmeter and set the scale to measure "Volts DC." Place the black voltmeter probe on the electrical joint between the second wire and the 1-kiloohm resistor. Place the red voltmeter probe on the electrical joint between the two resistors. The voltage across the resistor will be approximately 5 volts.